Copenhagen Architecture Forum's Podcast

Søren Nielsen - ekstern konsulent hos Vandkunsten og professor på Arkitektskolen Aarhus - præsenterer et lovforslag om midlertidigt at nedlægge et nationalt forbud mod nyopførelse af byggeri og infrastruktur, samt et generelt forbud mod enhver nedrivning af eksisterende bygninger og infrastruktur. I denne podcast er Nielsen i samtale om forslaget med Lars Autrup, direktør i Arkitektforeningen, Annemarie Munk Riis, Adm. direktør for Rådet for Bæredygtigt Byggeri og Linda Nielsen, Juraprofessor og tidligere rektor for Københavns Universitet. CAFx's Søren Nørkjær Bang modererer samtalen.

How do we move beyond human dominance and toward true collaboration with other species? As part of the exhibition Strange Adaptations at Halmtorvet 27, bioethicist Mickey Gjerris, architect Pavels Hedström, and curator Søren Nørkjær Bang engage in a conversation about the evolving relationships between humans, nature, and technology.  At the heart of the discussion is the idea of symbiosis—what does it truly mean to create mutualistic relationships across species? In an era defined by ecological crisis, the speakers confront the ethical dilemmas that arise when personal desires clash with collective responsibility. Gjerris reflects on the role of love and respect in interspecies interactions, questioning whether a radical shift in perspective—away from control and exploitation—might open the door to more meaningful coexistence. But how do we emotionally navigate the scale of the environmental challenges we face? The conversation explores the role of hope and fear in the age of ecological degradation, asking what emotional attitude we should cultivate to respond proportionately to the problems at hand. Should we embrace optimism, or does acknowledging fear drive us to act more decisively? What attutudes might help us move beyond despair and paralysis toward meaningful action?

What can nomadic cultures teach us about architecture, design, and our connection to the environment? In this episode, anthropologist Jeanette Lykkegård, architect Pavels Hedström, and Søren Nørkjær Bang, curator at the Copenhagen Architecture Forum, explore the relationship between nomadism, space and habitation. The conversation examines how nomadism fosters a deep connection to the environment through movement and exposure, contrasting this with the Western focus on controlled, comfort-driven environments that often distance us from the natural world. The discussion reevaluates the concept of control, questioning whether modern architecture has led us into a “comfort trap” that diminishes our sense of vitality and connection. Lykkegård, Hedström, and Bang reflect on how nomadism offers new perspectives for thinking about design and habitation—focusing on adaptability, responsiveness, and a more meaningful relationship with the world around us. This podcast is part of the event series 'Strange Adaptions' with architect Pavels Hedström.

Biochemist Irina Iachina shares her groundbreaking work on biomimicry, focusing on spider silk as a model for sustainable innovation. From her studies at the University of Southern Denmark to her research at MIT, Iachina has investigated how spiders create silk using only salt water and proteins. This natural process provides a blueprint for developing recyclable and eco-friendly materials that could replace synthetic, wasteful alternatives. Her research underscores the power of looking to nature for solutions to modern challenges. In conversation with architect Pavels Hedström and curator Søren Nørkjær Bang, Iachina discusses the broader implications of biomimicry as part of the exhibition Strange Adaptations at Halmtorvet 27. The podcast explores not only the scientific aspects of her work but also the emotional and ethical dimensions of engaging with nature. Iachina emphasizes the importance of shifting from exploiting nature to learning from it, recognizing the intelligence and unique qualities of even the smallest creatures. The dialogue touches on how these principles can inform architecture, urban design, and sustainable development, underscoring the vital role of curiosity and playfulness in driving innovation.

Waste: Is it just the inevitable detritus of human life, or a glaring sign of systemic inefficiency? Could waste be more than something to discard—perhaps even the spark for innovation and regeneration? Under the guidance of the non-profit association Tusca7, we unravel the tangled narrative of waste and its transformative potential. Co-founder Jeppe Kalnæs challenges the status quo, urging us to question our deeply ingrained assumptions about waste. For what if waste holds the blueprint for reimagining regeneration, design, and community? And what would happen if we stopped forcing the world into the narrow confines of our human-centered expectations and began to see waste through the eyes of other species? Tune in as he explore: The social construct of waste—and how to dismantle it. Revolutionary ways to redefine and repurpose what we discard. A metabolic dream of a waste-free world This episode is part of 10 Dogmas, a podcast series by Copenhagen Architecture Festival (CAFx), produced in collaboration with VELUX's Build for Life initiative. Each installment highlights emerging architectural studios questioning the norms and shaping the future of the built environment.  

What if we are entrapped in an urban bias? What can we do to see things more nuanced? And what would happen if we stopped seeing the rural as merely a backdrop to urban ambition and instead recognized it as a space of life and living? In this episode of 10 Dogmas, we challenge the conventional lens of architectural thought and explore how reimagining the rural could reshape our approach to design, ecology, and community. Rural Agency, a pioneering research-based studio, leads this conversation. Founders Anna Sofie Hvid (MA Research Architecture, BA Philosophy) and Josephine Nørtoft Saaby (Architect MAA) share their inspiring work in bridging architecture and ecology, pushing for a deeper integration of rural spaces into architectural discourse. Tune in as we discuss: Breaking free from the urban/rural dichotomy. Fresh approaches to observing, planning, and valuing rural landscapes. The ecological and political potential of re-centering the rural in architectural thinking. This episode is part of 10 Dogmas, a podcast series by Copenhagen Architecture Festival (CAFx), produced in collaboration with VELUX's Build for Life initiative. Each installment highlights emerging architectural studios questioning the norms and shaping the future of the built environment.

In his thought-provoking book Taking the Country's Side, philosopher Sébastien Marot argues that the separation between agriculture and architecture represents the original schism in human habitation. This divide, he suggests, has led to a profound alienation from the natural world and a radical instrumentalization of nature—one of the root causes of today's climate and biodiversity crises. But what would happen if this separation were healed? What could architecture learn from permaculture practices and principles? These are the questions we explore in our latest podcast episode featuring permaculture designer Skye Jin. Tune in to discover: The key differences between shallow ecologies and deep ecology. How architects can draw inspiration and learn from permaculturalists. Ways in which permaculture can offer a holistic approach, introducing a stronger social dimensions into regenerative design. This episode is part of 10 Dogmas, a 10-part podcast series that rethinks the core assumptions of architectural theory and practice. Produced by CAFx in collaboration with VELUX's Build for Life initiative, the series features ten leading architectural studios critically examining ten fundamental dogmas shaping the future of architecture.

For years, human-centered design has been regarded as the ideal approach to problem-solving within design and architecture. But in a world facing complex environmental and social challenges, is it time to consider a new paradigm? Could a multi-centered or biocentric perspective better address the needs of our shared environment? Join Pavels Hedström from the studio Insxects as he explores the limitations of human-centered design and the potential of a biocentric approach in architecture. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into: The value of adopting a biocentric mindset in design. The tension between interspecies living and domestication. Strategies for creating architecture that responds to the landscapes of the Anthropocene/Capitalocene. This episode is part of "10 Dogmas," a 10-part podcast series that challenges the status quo of architectural thought. Produced by CAFx in collaboration with VELUX's Build for Life initiative, the series invites ten leading architectural studios to critically examine ten core dogmas currently shaping architectural practice.

The battle for the future of the building sector is often framed as a conflict over standards: between those who defend existing standards and those who demand new, green, and sustainable ones. But what if we challenged this premise? What if the logic of standardization is actually at the root of the problem? This is the starting point for the second episode of our new podcast series. Tune in to hear Elspeth Lee and Donn Holohan from the studio Superposition delve into the challenges of standardization and explore potential solutions beyond conventional standards. This podcast episode covers: The value of pre-standardized architecture The myth of the connection between democratization and standardization The barriers to flexibility, spontaneity, and creativity imposed by standardization This is the second episode of "10 Dogmas," a 10-part podcast series designed to push the boundaries of architectural thinking. In this series, we invite ten leading architectural studios to critically examine and challenge ten core dogmas that currently dominate architectural practice and consensus. 10 Dogmas is produced by CAFx and presented in collaboration with VELUX and their Build for Life initiative, which reconnects people and the planet through healthier, more sustainable buildings.

Over the past five years, several institutions have highlighted the rise of a new paradigm in Danish architecture. The Utzon Center has coined it “Super Danish,” while Dagbladet Information refers to it as “a new subtlety in architecture.” At CAFx, we have proposed the concept of an ecological turn—a shift towards holism, relational thinking, integration, and frugality. But how should we place this paradigm within the broader historical context, and what challenges lie ahead? In this podcast episode, we explore these questions with Kristoffer Lindhardt Weiss, a renowned Danish architecture critic, writer, and CEO of Danish Architectural Press, and Anne Beim, Head of CINARK (Centre for Industrial Architecture) at the Danish School of Architecture. Through this conversation, we ask: What are we leaving behind, and where is Danish architecture headed? We discuss key topics such as: The risks posed by boredom and the will to be interesting The fate of the resurgence of craftsmanship in modern architecture Whether generational differences influence reactions to shared architectural challenges This episode serves as the introduction to a 10-part podcast series. Throughout the series, we will invite 10 architectural studios to challenge 10 core dogmas of the current architectural consensus in Denmark. 10 Dogmas is produced by Copenhagen Architecture Festival and presented in collaboration with VELUX and their Build for Life initiative, which reconnects people and the planet through healthier, more sustainable buildings.   Further Reading  The discussion references two essential books for understanding recent shifts in Danish architecture: Økologi og Arkitektonisk Kvalitet by Anne Beim Den Ny Bølge i Dansk Arkitektur by Kristoffer Lindhardt Weiss Both works provide invaluable insight into the tectonic movements shaping contemporary Danish architectural history. These books are highly recommended and can be accessed through the library system at bibliotek.dk

In recent years, Copenhagen has seen an intensification in the debate over urban expansion, with controversial projects such as Fælledby and Lynetteholmen at the forefront. Amid these discussions, there has been a growing focus on the potential and methods for increasing density within the existing cityscape. In 2017, a coalition of developers, construction companies, architects, and ecologists urged the City of Copenhagen to systematically utilize the vast untapped spaces within the city. According to Dagbladet Politiken, an open letter from Dansk Byggeri, Bygherreforeningen, Akademisk Arkitektforening, Det Økologiske Råd, and Drost Fonden highlighted the potential to create 22,000 new homes by utilizing these overlooked spaces under Copenhagen's rooftops. This podcast serves as a significant intervention in this public conversation. Listen to Alberto Ronchelli, Architect & Circular Design Specialist at GXN, as he challenges conventional views on urban "leftovers"—the unused and underused spaces within the city. Ronchelli presents his project, "The Grafted City," which maps 25,000 m² of leftover space in the Nordvest neighborhood. This discussion covers: The reasons behind the existence of these spaces Strategies for utilizing these spaces The concept of viewing these spaces not as isolated entities, but as part of a broader ecosystem or network of unused areas This is the first episode of "10 Dogmas," a 10-part podcast series designed to push the boundaries of architectural thinking. In this series, we invite ten leading architectural studios to critically examine and challenge ten core dogmas that currently dominate architectural practice and consensus. In this inaugural episode, we explore the concept of "urban leftovers" and explore innovative possibilities that extend beyond this prevailing dogma.  10 Dogmas is produced by Copenhagen Architecture Festival and presented in collaboration with VELUX and their Build for Life initiative, which reconnects people and the planet through healthier, more sustainable buildings.   Further Reading: Der kan findes 22.000 boliger under københavns tage by Mathias Lilholt Following Fellows: Progressive Cityscapes by Koozarch, featuring an interview with Ronchelli KAB: Hvis der skal være plads til københavnerne, skal fortætning være en reel mulighed by Rasmus Jessing

Hvordan sikrer man, at de mange projekter giver noget tilbage til byen? Hvad betyder æstetikken for vores liv i byen og hvordan sikres æstetiske kvaliteter når mange hensyn skal tages i udviklingen af projekter og byområder i forhold til bæredygtighed, økonomi, pladsmangel og andre begrænsninger.  Siden 1903 har Københavns Kommune præmieret bygninger, der i særlig grad har formået at fremme kvaliteten af byens fysiske rammer. Hensigten er at rette opmærksomheden imod særligt vellykkede byggerier og byrum for at anerkende indsatsen fra arkitekter og bygherrer, der bidrager til at skabe en god by. Paneldebat v. Mia Nyegaard, Kultur- og Fritidsborgmester, Nikoline Dyrup Carlsen, medstifter og partner Spacon&x, Ole Schrøder, medstifter og partner Tredje Natur og Holger Dahl, arkitekturredaktør og moderator

FOOD. It shapes our daily lives, molds the structure of our cities, and connects to over 25% of global CO2 emissions. Transforming the world's food systems means transforming the ways of inhabiting the world. This podcast explores a conversation about the intricate connections that link food production, consumption, and human habitation. The panel includes Lasse Antoni Carlsen, director of Bygaard; Christer Bredgaard, owner of Il Buco; Kristine Fisker, a design specialist in sustainable changes in the food industry and a design advisor at INVI. The moderator is Mia Maja Hansson, director and teacher at Kitchen Collective.

JORD. Hjemsted for mere end en fjerdedel af den biologiske mangfoldighed på jorden, planetens største vandfilter og et af de vigtigste naturlige systemer for kulstoflagring. Sund jord betyder sunde økosystemer og et godt grundlag for frugtbare fødevaresystemer. Regenerativt landbrug er blevet beskrevet som en landbrugsrevolution, der har løftet om en storslået vending af tendensen til jordudtømning og en væsentlig stigning i kulstofbinding. Flyt din opmærksomhed et par centimeter under dine fødder!   Paneldeltagere:  Anna Sofie Hvid,  Rural Agency  Nanna Thomsen, Andelsgaarde Søren Ejlersen, Stifter af blandt andet Fælleshaven & Aarstiderne Moderator: Marie Sainabou Jeng, Stifter og programdirektør af Madland

In this podcast, we are exploring two key texts related to the movement: ‘Another City for Another Life’ (1958) by Constant and ‘Formulary for a New Urbanism’ (1953) by Ivan Chtcheglov. Your guide through the texts is David Pinder, a professor in Urban Geography at RUC and author of the book "Visions of the City: Utopianism, Power, and Politics in Twentieth-Century Urbanism" (2005). The podcast is a part of the documentation of a longer series of reading club events linked to our past exhibition, ‘Architecture and the Art of Agitation,’ which marked the culmination of a year-long exploration of the significance of manifestos, including two exhibitions, as well as an analogue and a digital publication.Follow the link below and listen to the conversation on your favourite platform. Read more about ‘Architecture and the Art of Agitation’ exhibition in KoozArch’s article ‘The manifesto as a dream machine’. Read the digital publication ‘Manifesto Relay 2023’ here.